Jay Brooke, Executive Director of High Plains Community Health Center, revealed that following a review of architect plans, bids will be sent out for construction of a pediatric clinic at the medical campus off Kendall Drive in Lamar. “We plan to have the bids go out next week,” Brooke told the Prowers County Commissioners during their Tuesday meeting on June 16. He added that he hoped to see local construction firms bid for a portion of the construction project.

“We estimated the cost for the clinic between $1.5 to $1.8 million and it will be located south of the Adult Care Clinic,” he explained, adding that the facility will be 7,000 square feet. “Dr. Figlio is working in very cramped quarters right now and this will increase the work space for him and his staff,” Brooke stated. He expected the bids to come back in from three to four weeks and said he anticipated ground to be broke by mid July and the clinic should be open by late January or early February of next year. Commissioner Schnabel asked about funding for the project, “We have the ability to finance this from the Clinic, there won’t be a need for any grant funding,” Brooke replied.

The executive director noted that the health center will observe its 20th anniversary this August. “We plan to have several special events to note the occasion which also corresponds to the observance of the National Health Center week in the country, during the second week of August. Brooke noted that 20 years ago, there were only six people employed in the clinic, and now there are 100 who work there in a variety of positions, serving the medical needs of the community. He added that the Holly Clinic, now administered by High Plains, recently had its grand opening with 15 residents being treated on the first day. “We have Tracy Nelson Yarborough as our nurse practitioner, and as she’s a Holly resident, it’s a benefit for everyone involved,” he said.